Memorial Day is almost here and summer is on its way – warm-weather blockbusters such as “The Amazing Spider-Man 2” are already in theaters, and will soon be followed by the highly anticipated “Godzilla.”

Summer means travel for many people in Lemont. Whether your plans call for a day trip to the upcoming Taste of Chicago, a weekend in Wisconsin Dells or a getaway out-of-state, as podiatrists at DM Foot and Ankle Associates, Dr. Diana Emini and I want to make sure everyone takes care of themselves while they’re having summer fun.

Here are a few tips for travel hygiene when you’re playing in the sun this summer.

1. Keep in mind that airplanes and hotels are public places, and they may be quite germy! Consider traveling with sanitizing wipes to clean off those plane seats. A disinfecting spray to use in your hotel shower and toilet can prevent the possible spread of fungi, bacteria and viruses. In our office, we carry Citrace, a hospital-grade disinfectant that smells citrusy. Also, it's best to avoid walking barefoot around the hotel. We've seen many cases of athlete's foot and plantar warts from patients walking barefoot in public.

2.While in transit or spending the day in the hot sun, try wearing polyester "dry-fit" shirts that are lightweight, wrinkle-free and dry quickly. As a bonus -- they take up almost zero room in a backpack or suitcase. Stores such as REI also sell varieties of wrinkle-free clothing, including pants and button-down shirts. It’s also a good idea to keep a stain-erasing pen, such as Tide to Go, in your purse or backpack. On days when you've been sweating, remember to wash your feet and let them air out once you're back at your hotel.

3.Shield yourself from germs while traveling by keeping a travel-sized bottle of hand sanitizer with you. The Centers for Disease control and Prevention recommends ethanol alcohol-based hand sanitizers in gel form that are at least 60 percent ethanol. Also, don’t forget to wash your hands before eating and after using the bathroom. Always wash with hot, soapy water. Be generous with the soap and rub your hands together for 20 seconds before rinsing.

4.Ditch the flip-flops and sandals when you’re going on hikes or tours and choose sneakers instead. Not only will this keep your feet from getting dirty, but you will be more comfortable and give your feet better support throughout the day.